In just one year since its founding, the World Phygital Community is delighted to welcome the Emirates Esports Federation from the UAE as its 100th member! This landmark moment arrives as the phygital movement continues to gain momentum globally, and as Abu Dhabi prepares to host the Games of the Future 2025 this December, which will see clubs and phygital athletes compete for a share of a $5 million prize pool across 11 official disciplines.
Since launching in 2024, the WPC has grown at a remarkable pace, including the recent addition of other members from Germany, Saudi Arabia, Lesotho, Malawi, and Sierra Leone.
His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, UAE Minister of Sports said: “The UAE’s membership of the World Phygital Community reflects our wider, steadfast commitment to embracing innovation in both technology and sport, and our ambition to be part of the driving force that is shaping a new era of sports.”
“The Emirates Esports Federation is proud to join the World Phygital Community as its 100th member,” said His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Sultan bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan, President of the Emirates Esports Federation. “It’s an honour to be part of this growing global movement and to support the rise of phygital sport in the region.”
“Reaching 100 members is a significant milestone for our World Phygital Community as well as the wider phygital movement.” said Dan Merkley, Chairperson and Managing Director of the WPC. “It’s incredible that in one year, we’ve achieved such fast and enthusiastic uptake from around the world – far exceeding our hopes and expectations. We are delighted to welcome the Emirates Esports Federation as our 100th member” , he said.
Looking ahead, the World Phygital Community is setting its sights on reaching 180 members by 2030, reflecting the growing global interest in phygital sports and the community’s commitment to broadening its reach. The WPC’s rapidly expanding network now spans six continents, with organizations in 100 partner countries including 31 countries in Asia, 27 in Africa, 23 in Europe, 10 in South America, eight in North America, and one in Australia.
The announcement of the 100th member comes as the World Phygital Community has kicked off the 2025/26 ranking tournament season which is set to bring a wave of tournaments and global activity across the next six months, leading up to the Games of the Future 2026 in Astana, Kazakhstan. The season has also been extended to January 31, 2026, with the application window open until September 15, 2025. Members are encouraged to submit their tournament proposals through the WPC+ platform at the earliest opportunity, as this expanded timeline offers more chances to take part in shaping the future of phygital sport.
